(This course has been integrated into the curriculum of The Program for the Language Arts.)

1. What topics are covered?

The Practice of Writing first examines the relationship between clear writing and clear thinking, and then examines the principles of composition and style that make writing effective. The course begins with a review of the principles of grammar studied in The Design of English. This review includes the parts of speech and basic units of syntax, but particularly emphasizes verbals, phrases, clauses, and punctuation. The course then analyzes the structure of individual sentences and paragraphs. The method of study includes the examination and imitation of good writing and the examination and revision of poor writing. Throughout the course, students will write and submit work for instructor revision and comment.

2. Do I need to take The Design of English before taking this class?

We strongly recommend that students take The Design of English before The Practice of Writing. The Design of English provides students with a necessary review of grammatical structure, as well as a working vocabulary of grammatical terms, which will be built upon in The Practice of Writing. Occasionally some students with an especially strong background in English grammar, such as English teachers or professional writers, may choose to take The Practice of Writing without completing The Design of English, after discussion with our faculty.